Council bosses have denied claims they have started demolition work at the former Co-op building.

Accusations were made on social media that Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council had already started its plans to tear down some of the building - despite the plan not yet being given the green light.

But the Town Hall issued a statement, putting paid to the rumours and explaining the current situation.

"In response to recent enquiries, we confirm that the Council has not, as yet, commenced any demolition works at the former COOP Department store in Nuneaton town centre," the statement says.

"We are undertaking the removal of asbestos from the building in preparation for demolition should planning permission be obtained, and to enable refurbishment work to be undertaken safely in those parts to be retained."

It was back in January that the council revealed it had bought the building, which dates back to the early 1900s, from the Heart of England Co-op.

The proposal also states: “Partial demolition of property to ground level and removal/disconnection of association services.”

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CoventryLive submitted a Freedom of Information act (FOI) request to the council for access to papers from a confidential cabinet meeting where the potential purchase of the building was being discussed.

We asked to see a copy of the report on November 28 in respect of the Adjustment to Council Property Portfolio, which transpires to be the deal to buy the building.

Through the FOI, the council has provided a copy of the report but some of the information has been redacted due to it falling under the exemption in the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

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However, information not withdrawn from the report states: “The council will need to approve an addition to the general fund capital programme of £2,970,000 for this purchase."

It is not clear if this was the full amount paid for the building, as that information remains exempt.